"Opening Act" - new music-oriented reality TV show from Nigel

[Miguel]

On Opening Act, the Artist Development Team attempts to find a great singer or band that has the potential to open for one of music’s “biggest” stars. So, basically they are cutting to the chase and not necessarily making someone a star but giving them a break to open for someone famous. If you ask me it sounds like a couple of the previous American Idol seasons. I won’t say names but we know there are several previous winners who didn’t really become all that they thought Idol would make them. Maybe these producers are unto something, making performers an opening act before helping them become the real deal.

On the show’s premiere we have a Dallas-area contestant. Arielle O’Keefe is an Allen singer whose life changes forever when she comes into a Dallas coffee shop for a spot in the lineup for the next open mic night. She settles in with Olivia who she thinks has something to do with the artists for the evening and opens up about her love for music and performing, and is completely stunned when Olivia Lee reveals Arielle is about to get her wish times 1,000. Lee tells Arielle has been handpicked by Nigel, the Artist Development team and Rod Stewart to open for the Grammy® award winning and platinum-selling artist in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace. Still coping with the initial shock of the opportunity she never saw coming, she’s equally shocked to find out she must be ready to take the stage in just five days. After hearing the news, Arielle is whisked off to an 5 day intense boot camp to prepare for her tour date, which includes an emotional session with voice coach Nick Cooper, and working with Antonina Armato to get her performance just right.

This link has a video segment from the show at the bottom. She learns she's been picked:

http://www.dallasnews.com/entertainment/...v-show.ece Including a taped appearance by Rod Stewart where he addresses her by name.



From comments on her YouTube videos, it looks like the show has already aired. But she's not racking up that many views.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taDiSjZ48p8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ASrDKQV5...ure=relmfu

An original song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLYtVxg5s...ure=relmfu

[LovinDaHaley]

That "surprise" clip with Rod Stewart, how FUN!

Can't say I'm an Arielle fan just yet. I'll have to wait and see how she looks and sounds on stage with a band and all; but I didn't hate her, and that's something

[Miguel]

Footage from the show of her singing with Rod:



67-yr-old Rod Stewart makes a good argument for men maintaining their weight as they get older. I recall being impressed in 1990 when he married 21-year-old Rachel Hunter, who was 24 years his junior.

[LovinDaHaley]

Still sexy at 67... that truly is amazing.

Uncle Nigel is always messing with my heart strings! Someone please tell him to stop.

I'm still not a huge Arielle fan, but she's growing on me Thanks M.

This new show, "Opening Act" is a good idea IMHO.

[Tusk]

Considering the circumstances, I'm surprised at how low key her reaction is at the reveal. I'm used to the OTT screaming and tears of most in the same position in reality shows.

It's a nice idea, but don't they still have to make their winner someone with 'star power' potential? So if a "Star" shows up at the door step of the show, they will turn them away, because they are just looking for 'opening acts'? Just feels like it's a retooling of their 'mission statement' but the dance is the same, to find a potential star.

Rachel Hunter? .... love me the Australian Beauties (Yvonne Strahovski, anyone?)

Loved the Video from Fountains of Wayne, "The Cars"* influenced band's video which starred a more mature, and newly divorced Rachel Hunter
*

"Stacy's Mom", which Adam Schlesinger says was a tribute to The Cars and was certified gold by the RIAA.

BTW... there is a slight connection to Haley, Rachel was born September 9, 1969

[Miguel]

Her opening act solo:




It's sleepy. It's not possible to have much of growth arc in five days.

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These behind-the-scenes videos might be more interesting than the actual performance (I didn't watch them all).


Picking talent:




Arielle being told she needs to perform with more emotion:




Nigel trying to tell her how to move:




Choosing her outfit:

[video=youtube]www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QkFm-iD7jE[/video]


The makeover:

[My Alter Ego]

Arielle's got a nice voice, especially the lower notes in her chest voice --they're warm and rich. Given how overwhelmed by various aspects of the process she appeared to be at times (in the clips), it's remarkable how composed she was when singing with Rod Stewart, and she did a nice job!

Miguel, I'd agree that not much progress can be made in 5 days, particularly when one's emotions are getting in the way as frequently as they appeared to (I watched several of the short clips).

It will be interesting to see if anything comes of this opportunity for her. She has a pretty voice, but she lacks an inner sparkle, and that's not something that she can be taught. It might be there, but her insecurities are keeping it hidden. But these days, she will need much more than a "pretty voice" to get her farther.

[LovinDaHaley]

BTW... there is a slight connection to Haley, Rachel was born September 9, 1969

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DID SOMEONE SAY 9?



Here's the Link
Haley Reinhart and the Number 9

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